This will be the 4th Christmas season since September 11, 2001, in a world tinged with tragedy for so many. For most of us, reconciling this holiday season with the darkness that surrounds is difficult.  Holiday greetings often remind us of our deepest human desire for peace and joy, belied again this year by fear, anxiety and deep disappointment. We believe that real peace among individuals and nations can only begin with the advent of peace within one's true self. Thus, we encourage all readers, from whatever nation or world view, to make a special journey into the interior - a journey to identify the barriers to joy within and to find the inner peace that is afforded to everyone. It transcends all religions, ideologies, national boundaries and even the concepts of good and evil. It is devoid of self-righteousness, anxiety, greed, hatred, racism, selfishness, depression, despair, excitement and desire.

We are careful to remember that it is much easier for us to talk and write about such peace when our basic needs are met for shelter, clothing, food and physical security. We have much to learn from the victims of war who are sometimes able to find inner peace even in the midst of the horror. With this Ezine, we breathe a prayer for inner peace for them and all human beings, including those who have lost love, compassion, forgiveness and honesty in the making of war.